The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has recently made a decision that has sparked debate within the racing community. In a meeting held on February 26th in Arcadia, California, the CHRB rejected the proposed race dates for the Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair, both of which had been pushing for a resumption of racing in Northern California. This decision has raised concerns about the future of racing in the region and the potential impact on the industry.
The Tehama District Fair had proposed nine days of racing from April 29th to May 26th at Red Bluff, while the Humboldt County Fair sought 12 race dates over a four-week period from August 5th to September 1st. However, the CHRB's detailed analysis highlighted several regulatory, financial, and operational challenges associated with these meets.
The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) opposed the idea of awarding race dates to the fairs, as did representatives from Southern California tracks. According to the TOC, a revival of racing in Northern California would result in a 5% drop in purses in Southern California, which has already benefited from the redirect of simulcast revenue since the cessation of racing in the north.
The CHRB's vice chair, Oscar Gonzales, and commissioner Brenda Washington Davis supported the idea of awarding dates to the fairs, emphasizing the importance of horse racing to the fairs and their communities. However, the remaining commissioners, including Dr. Greg Ferraro, Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Peter Stern, opposed the proposal. Commissioner Thomas Hudnut was absent from the meeting.
One of the key concerns raised by the CHRB staff was the practicality of sustaining racing in Northern California after a prolonged absence. The staff noted that many Northern California horsemen have shifted their stables to Southern California or moved to race out of state at lower-level tracks. This has led to a decline in the number of horses, trainers, and wagering interest in the region.
The Humboldt County Fair's proposed meet would have coincided with the popular summer racing season, which includes events at Del Mar and Saratoga Race Course. However, the CHRB's analysis also pointed out the lack of sufficient contractual documentation and unresolved agreements with industry stakeholders, further complicating the situation.
Despite the challenges, some industry experts believe that Northern California could still play a crucial role in the industry. Washington Davis suggested that broad statewide support might be necessary for tracks to receive authorization for historical horse racing gaming, which could provide a lifeline for the equine industry in the region.
In conclusion, the CHRB's decision to reject the proposed race dates has sparked a debate about the future of racing in Northern California. While there are concerns about the industry's sustainability, there are also opportunities for growth and support. The racing community will need to address these challenges and find a way to ensure the long-term viability of the sport in the region.
